Exploring Altruism: Can Kindness Be Truly Selfless?

Why are we kind to others? Are our actions truly altruistic, or are they ultimately self-serving? Can we ever perform an act of kindness that is entirely selfless?

Our human operating system is extraordinarily complex, layered with countless conscious and subconscious forces that shape who we are. Most of us lack either the awareness or the courage to uncover the true motives behind our behavior.

The mystical tradition, as explained by the first Lubavitcher Rebbe, teaches that a Jew is comprised of two souls: the Animal Soul and the G-dly Soul. These two forces are in constant competition, each striving to dominate our consciousness and guide our actions.

In simple terms, this boils down to a battle between the “selfish” and the “selfless,” with each vying to inspire and direct us at every moment of our lives.

So, is it possible to be completely selfless? The short answer is no.

But what about performing a pure act of kindness? While extremely difficult, the answer is yes.

In the final Torah portion of Genesis, we read about Jacob’s last request to his son Joseph. He pleads with Joseph to perform an act of “kindness and truth” by burying him with his ancestors. Rashi explains this phrase as referring to a true act of kindness—a deed with no expectation of reciprocation, no “return on investment.”

This is the legacy Jacob leaves us through his son Joseph. He calls upon us, and empowers us, to transcend our selfish instincts by empathizing with and deeply listening to others.

• Switch off from obsessing over yourself.

• Pay attention to your friends and family.

• Listen carefully to what they are saying—and even more so, to what they are not saying.

Begin the journey to discover your true self: a self that, at its core, is one with all of humanity.